*Note: this was an email I sent out and therefore is written like one.
Confession #1: starting emails, or letters for that matter, has always intimidated me. In school I was taught a formal way of beginning one of these things, but I have never done very well with “formal.” I prefer to jump in as if we have already finished the first three minutes of pleasantry. This brings me to Confession #2: when I learned what was expected of me in Mexico, this very aspect (writing a newsletter) made me more afraid than some other frightening things, but here I am. So I will endeavor to type an update about the past month of July here in Mexico.
I left home the morning of the 6th of July and arrived in Choix, Sinaloa the following afternoon. The trip itself taught me several things about trusting God and recognizing how God was answering prayers. My luggage had issues. One handle doesn't pull out, one broke all together, and a wheel busted on one of them in Phoenix. This was all within the first 5 hours! I believed the rest of the trip was doomed for trouble. But actually, the Lord worked out everything just right. We didn't get the bus we wanted, but the bus driver on the one we did get escorted us at midnight to the right place at the border to make sure we got our visas. Once we were off the bus and without pesos to pay for a taxi, I went to find an ATM but there wasn't any there. So a kind gas station attendant exchanged my American money for me. Later, there was a lady who helped us get on the right bus for Choix and directed the bus driver where to drop is off: right in front of Loren's.
I have been living in Guadalupe (a village 15 minutes from Choix) this past month with a family from the church for language and culture study. They are a joy to learn from. They have had quite a number of young people in their home for the same reason I am, and they are incredibly patient and kind and helpful. Interesting flubs with the language and their great sense of humor has produced wonderful eruptions of laughter that leaves our sides aching and the tears rolling. I have more teachers than these though. Everyone helps teach in their own way. From the uncles who drop by for a meal or a break, to the parents down the hill who love a good laugh more than the rest of them, to the children playing in the street. Each one has contributed. The saying goes something like, “it takes a village to raise a child.” In Spanish I am a child, and I guess I'm being raised by the village of Guadalupe.
Besides learning the language, I am learning how to make tortillas over a fire, wash my clothes by hand, and appreciate a cool breeze. :-) Mexico is wonderful.
The plan is that I will be moving to Choix on the 6th of August and as of now I will be living with Loren's. Their house is the central place for a lot of people flowing in and out, and will be quite different than life in Guadalupe. Its a good thing I like people. I am looking forward to life there.
If you would like to rejoice with me, here's a few praises:
-praise the Lord that heat has not bothered me as much as I was afraid it might.
-praise the Lord for His patience and love in teaching and instructing me.
If you would like to pray for me here's a few request:
-pray for my continual learning of Spanish.
-pray for wisdom in relationships with several young girls here.
-pray for me as I move to Choix.
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement and support. I could not do this without people like you praying for me and encouraging me. May the Lord bless you with strength to faithfully follow Him.
-Linda
P.s. Sorry for not having pictures. I took a few on my ipod and they refuse to be transferred to my computer. Maybe I'll remember to get a few pictures on my camera instead. :)
